John Psathas: White Lies (Rattle)

 |   |  <1 min read

John Psathas: White Lies (Rattle)

Not having seen the film for which this is the music -- a single, 28 minute piece for piano, strings, taonga puoro and the composer on synth -- is no disadvantage at all.

This beautifully understated, modulating and elegantly slow piece can at time sound less like a soundtrack (in that it doesn't parallel or evoke any kind of physical action) and more in the manner of a long suite of interrelated and gently realised ideas.

The piano of Emily Sayers plays slowly evolving lines with notes placed spaciously, and the backdrop of synths and especially Richard Nunns on taonga puoro have an almost meditative effect, except when the Maori instruments bring an unearthly quality.

This is a lovely piece of music that exists independent of visual images, other than those which you might bring when you let this wash around you.

Very special. 

Share It

Your Comments

post a comment

More from this section   Music at Elsewhere articles index

Stephan Micus: Winter's End (ECM/digital outlets)

Stephan Micus: Winter's End (ECM/digital outlets)

This German multi-instrumentalist – the subject of this Elsewhere Art – is somewhat of an acquired taste because he is so hard to put in any particular box . . . other than one marked... > Read more

New and Noted

New and Noted

At this time of year -- Christmas but 10 days away -- there is a slew of releases and while no sane reviewer would want to deal with every Yuletide-themed album (Dylan's worthy outing doesn't get a... > Read more

Elsewhere at Elsewhere

GUEST WRITER DAVID G BROWN explains why he travelled to the world's worst places

GUEST WRITER DAVID G BROWN explains why he travelled to the world's worst places

Editor's note: The late David G Brown was born in Tuakau, a small town south of Auckland in New Zealand. In the course of his life -- he died in Helsinki, Finland in 2015 -- he travelled to 100... > Read more

Let It Be; A Beatles Celebration, Civic Theatre, Auckland, March 26 2015

Let It Be; A Beatles Celebration, Civic Theatre, Auckland, March 26 2015

There's a very simple answer to the question of why people go to tribute shows. They go to hear the familiar music . . . and to check out how well the performers... > Read more